beauty

‘I’m a beauty writer. Here are 15 beauty sets perfect for the gifting season.’

'Tis the season to write a ridiculously long list of all the things you need to do. 

I can’t help you agree on a date for the family lunch, vacuum the green stuff that keeps dropping off your festive tree, or do the kitchen cupboard clean out you’ve been meaning to do all year. But what I can do is help you shop for the beauty devotees in your life! 

This time of year brings out the best in beauty kits, with some of the biggest brands doing beautifully dolled-up packs of their best-sellers, often at a great price.

While you're here, watch Mamamia Confessions: Our worst Christmas gifts. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia

Whether you’re after a stocking stuffer for a friend, a bunch of end-of-year gifts for the kids’ teachers, or you just want to treat yourself (it’s been a big year! You deserve it), I’ve pulled together a roundup of 15 beauty sets that are perfect for the giving season.

Before we jump in, a quick reminder that everyone’s skin can react uniquely to different products. Always patch-test and get advice if you’re unsure if a new goodie is the one for you. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Under $25.

Stocking stuffers galore! These delightful treats are a steal, each coming in under 25 bucks. Cheap but utterly cheerful. 

Lanolips x Messina 101 Balm Duo, $23.95.

Image: Gelato Messina/Mamamia.

Name a more iconic duo than Lanolips and Gelato Messina. The ultimate summer collab, the brands have created two mouth-watering balms – Dulce de Leche Gelato and Salted Coconut – each featuring Lanolips’ signature hydrating formula with a delicious twist. 

ADVERTISEMENT

This pack features both flavours and is a fail-safe gift. Buy two and keep one in the cupboard for any last-minute emergency pressies. 

Trilogy Rosehip Moisture Gift Set, $19.99. 

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Mamamia.

Triology’s rosehip oil is one of my faves: full of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and 6), it nourishes like nobody’s business. Featuring a full-size rosehip oil, plus travel-size toner and moisturiser, this great value set is a lovely way to give the gift of refreshed skin. 

ADVERTISEMENT

The Body Shop Lather and Slather Shea Duo, $15.

Image: The Body Shop/Mamamia.

You can’t go wrong with shea – a neutral scent with mega-nourishing properties makes it the gift that keeps on giving. This dynamic duo pack features mini sizes of the iconic shea body butter and body wash. A no-frills, hard-working gift that’s sure to score you brownie points with whoever you give it to. 

Under $50. 

Your work Kris Kringle, your neighbour who waters your plants when you’re out of town, your closest cousin: all sorted. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Origins Mask This Way 5-Mask Starter Set, $30.

Image: Mecca/Mamamia.

Why try one when you could try five? This collection of Origin’s much-loved masks is a great way to give a skincare lover the chance to dabble in all the pampering goodness. 

Featuring The Drink Up Intensive Mask (a hydration hero), the Original Skin Mask (pore refiner), Out of Trouble Mask (anti-blemish BFF), Clear Improvement Mask (a deep-cleaner) and the Charcoal Honey Mask (a nourishing purifier), this set has something for everyone. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Frank Body Three Way Kit, $35.

Image: Frank Body/Mamamia.

Frank Body’s signature cheek is in full force with this hardworking trio of best-selling scrubs in convenient mini sizes. Smoother, brighter, and clearer skin is in the bag (literally) with an Original Coffee Scrub, a Rosehip Body Scrub & Cleanser, a Glycolic Body Scrub and a super cute headband. You’ll easily score a place in the good books with this one. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Mecca Max Skincare Start-Up Set, $49.

Image: Mecca/Mamamia.

She’s beauty, she’s grace, she’s a travel case… filled with a full Mecca Max skincare routine. Gift (or try for yourself) mid-sizes of the Foam-O Gentle Gel Cleanser, the Clean Sweep Toner, the All Day Everyday Oil-Free Moisturizer and the Night Duty Overnight Jelly Mask. 

Glasshouse Candle Trio, $39.95.

Image: Glasshouse Fragrances/Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

This delightful mini trio of much-loved Glasshouse candles is described as 'devastatingly cute' and TBH, it’s hard to disagree. Forever Florence, A Tahaa Affair and Kyoto in Bloom scents each pack a mood-lifting punch to this set. These make for a thoughtful gift, or a charming party favour.

Youth to the People Brighten Up Kit, $47 (currently $30.80).

Image: Sephora/Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

Two YTTP superstars – 15% Vitamin C Energy Serum and Superberry Dream Mask – in an adorable mini size. They’re the perfect travel size for the jet setter in your life, or for that pal who just loves to try new products. 

Under $100.

A selection of slightly more luxe sets. For your BFF, and your sister who has done you one too many favours this year. 

Grown Alchemist Baby Face Kit, $68 (currently on sale for $40).

Image: The Iconic/Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

Give the gift of a baby face with this set of four mini Grown Alchemist faves: the Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser, Polishing Facial Exfoliant, Age Repair Moisturiser and Age Repair Sleep Masque. Plus, a tres chic fluro pink travel bag perfect for your beauty essentials on a weekend vacay. 

Ultra Violette Vi’s Lip Savers, $55. 

Image: The Iconic/Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

Make one lucky pal’s day with the whole collection, or split the pack into three stocking stuffers. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this pack of three nourishing, non-sticky hydrating lip balms. 

The pack includes two limited edition colours (they’re fire), one classic neutral, and some very on-point packaging. An add-to-cart-delight. 

David Jones Deluxe Beauty Edit, $69. 

Image: David Jones/Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

Around this time of year, David Jones releases a curation of cult beauty products. With $300 worth of goodies (there are 21 products to try) for just $69, it’s outrageously good value. 

This year’s pack features trial-sized products of brands like Vida Glow, Chloé, Kiehls and more. Best wrap one under the tree for yourself as well as your pals. 

Kester Black Party Nails Pack, $75. 

Image: Kester Black/Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nail stickers are having a moment, and I’m so here for it. Good vibes are guaranteed with this cute set featuring a top and base coat, and a pack of Bright Delight Nail Stickers (designed by artist Ellen Porteus). 

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk on the Go Kit, $80. 

Image: Charlotte Tilbury/Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

What’s better than gifting the iconic Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick? Gifting the whole range, duh. 

This pack includes an Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow in Pillow Talk, a Pillow Talk Eyeliner, a Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk and a Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk. $117 value for $80, plus mega luxe vibes? It’s a no-brainer. 

Over $100.

For the ultimate beauty lover in your life. (Or yourself, because these packs are a great way to stock up on your fave products for a cheeky discount.) 

Sunday Riley Morning Buzz Kit, $148.

Image: Mecca/Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sure, sure, you can gift this pack to a friend… but why not also add one in for yourself? 

This Sunday Riley pack includes a full-size CEO Glow Vitamin C serum, valued at $128, meaning you’re getting the rest of the kit for $20. Who doesn’t love bang for your glowy buck. (I’ve already nabbed a set, don’t you worry.) 

NET-A-PORTER 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, $440 (currently $308).

Image: Net-a-Porter/Mamamia.

ADVERTISEMENT

I’ve been saving the best and most bougie for last. NET-A-PORTER’s annual advent calendar is a round-up of 25 best sellers and hidden gems, one for each day of the festive season. 

In this year’s you’ll spot a full-size Dr. Barbara Sturm's 'The Good C' serum (worth around $200 alone), a full-size Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipstick in 'Nude Romance', Balmain's lightweight Silk Perfume, a mini Omoroviza Balancing Moisturiser, and many more next level goodies. It’s truly a beauty lover’s ultimate gift. 

I’m feeling jolly already, and full of inspo for the holiday gifting season!

What’s your go-to gift for the beauty lovers in your life? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature Image: Supplied/Charlotte Tilbury/Mecca.

Love all-things beauty? Take this short survey now to go in the running to win a $50 gift voucher!